I drink homemade Dandelion Root Coffee many times per week. Every time I happen to mention this, or post a photo of my morning joe on Instagram I get the same questions, “Why give up coffee? What’s wrong with coffee? Why do you use a coffee substitute?”
Of course, giving up coffee is not for everyone. It’s what works best for me and my nervous system. If coffee agrees with you I see no reason to give it up. But take a minute and ask yourself. Do I use coffee as a crutch to keep going, or to get started when I have no energy? Is it keeping me from listening to and understanding my natural rhythms, and more importantly, does it enable me to be incongruent about the fatigue I feel? This was the case for me.
I gave up coffee back in 1993. I remember the weekend well. I lived in New York City and there was a huge snowstorm. The city was shut down. My boyfriend (now husband) and I spent the weekend lying on the couch in his apartment on 34th Street. I think I had a headache for three days straight from caffeine withdrawal.
It’s been over two decades now since I gave up my coffee habit. Why? For me, caffeine acts as a stimulant. I naturally have a very active nervous system that doesn’t need any extra energy. I do best with inputs that are relaxing –think slow walking, gentle stretching, reading, and sleep. Those activities calm me down and keep me more even-keeled. Not that I’ve ever been even-keeled, but with coffee, I behave like a hamster and just can’t get off that crazy hamster wheel of “doing.” I’m best when I focus on “being.”
In case you’re contemplating it, here are 5 Reasons to Give Up Coffee
5 Reasons to Give Up Coffee
1. Sleep Better
Even when consumed in the morning, caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns.
2. Decrease Anxiety
Many people respond to stimulants such as caffeine with an increase in anxiety.
3. Lose Weight
Caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity, leading to weight gain.
4. Save Caffeine for Medicinal Purposes
When not used on a daily basis, caffeine can restrict blood vessels and relieve a headache.
5. Avoid Heartburn and Acid Reflux or GERD
Caffeine aggravates heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
There is one exception when I do use caffeine (not coffee though). When I have a headache I use it medicinally in the form of green tea. Green tea is a fantastic “medication” for me as it contains both small amounts of caffeine (a vaso-constrictor which can be instrumental in the relief of headaches) as well as an amino acid called L-Theanine, which I find makes me quite relaxed. Together this minute amount of caffeine combined with L-Theanine provides optimal headache relief. According to Wikipedia, l-Theanine, “has been studied for its potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress, improve cognition, and boost mood and cognitive performance.” Sounds good to me. And my doctors love this amino acid!
I have replaced my coffee habit with Dandelion Root Coffee which has many amazing attributes. Although it doesn’t taste as good as the real thing, it is fabulous in other ways. First, it has no caffeine, a huge win. Additionally, like coffee, it’s a hot beverage, making it easier to assimilate than cold drinks. Next, like regular coffee, Dandelion Root Coffee’s primary flavor is bitter, which is highly underrated. In Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine the bitter flavor is incredibly important for constitutional balance. We don’t get enough of it in our culture, one that is obsessed with the sweet and salty flavors. Finally, dandelion root is a liver cleanser. For me, giving up caffeine and getting healthy, liver cleansing dandelion root into my body every day is a win-win!
Finally, I’m often asked about Dandy Blend
Monica says
I agree with you! I am a naturally energy driven person and when I drink coffee I go crazy!! I get all of these symptoms you are talking about. I now limit it to one latte a week on Fridays, when I know I’m not using it to get me up/going!
Kirra Sherman says
But I love it!!!! ;)
silly comment, just feeling like joking around :)
hollyo says
Thanks for this terrific recipe, Elana! I am drinking a cup right now. I’ve been a pretty avid coffee drinker for many years, especially while working four years at a coffee roasting company. I can’t really put my finger on it but when I switch over to drinking tea or any non-coffee drink in the morning, which I do periodically upon the advice of my acupuncturist (he says no coffee, EVER, actually), I just feel so much better. Coffee, much to many folks’ surprise, contains a lot of oils which my doc says tax the liver. Hence, the “no coffee” advice. I love tea but your chicory coffee is a great rich option. I am learning to love bitter as I age (hopefully not a sign of what’s to come with my temperament :)) and this recipe satisfies that without being off-putting. Today I ground up and added a little cacao for a mocha-like twist. Dang tasty!
Patricia says
Love to have this recipe of cacao and chicory coffee.
eppiclife says
I like what you say about the stimulant reaction on your body. I get a huge burst of energy but the anxiety that follows wreaks havoc on my family, so I am slowly going off. I have used Dandy Blend for almost 2 years but have been told to listen to your body. It is a medicine and if taken too often could possibly be detrimental. Not sure on that. But great to listen to your body!
eppiclife says
Also, I understand that Dandy Blend is Gluten-free. http://www.dandyblend.com/FAQ.asp#1. How can there be no gluten when Dandy Blend contains barley and rye?
Anonymous says
I used to drink Dandy Blend but recently noticed they’ve changed their ingredients and use beet sugar. My understanding is that nearly all beet sugar is GMO, and Dandy Blend does not use organic ingredients. I’ll make my Dandelion Coffee from scratch from now on.
Deborah De Groot says
I agree….it is also a “medicine”. If you have liver disease, it can be worse for it. If your liver is healthy or needs a boost, then dandelion root tea is a great booster, in moderation. The “Traditional Medicinal” brand tea says to use it i think for only a couple of weeks at a time. So, i use it in the morning instead of coffee, if i am really craving coffee. Then i will switch it up with Roiboos (red, not flavoured), and green tea. :) If i am having fresh brewed coffee, i want it to be freshly ground, AND organic. Read up on NON organic coffee, and how it is harvested and processed…..not pretty :/
Julie says
Do you grind the chicory root and dandelion root before steeping?
LaVonne says
I’ve only used ground – I ordered them in bulk from Frontier.
Katie says
I drank Dandelion Root Tea while pregnant–I needed the liver stimulation, couldn’t drink coffee, etc, However, I liked it quite a bit in its own right–not really thinking of it as a coffee replacement as much as this really dark, bitter tea, almost like a hot, soothing version of some kind of tonic. It’s good. I do think it is super nasty with any kind of cream or sweetener in it though, unlike coffee. I find you just have to embrace the bitter.
Kim says
For every study that says you should give up coffee, there is one that says it is beneficial. I read a study where it says coffee drinkers are less likely to be diabetic. Everything in moderation!
Carla Rose says
Maybe coffee but I disagree with “everything”.
johnberk says
I consulted with my acupuncturist who also prepares all sorts of herbs and stuff and she told me that coffee should never work as a substitute of energy. She told me it is way better to drink a good quality green tea in the morning, while you can switch to coffee later on. After trying it for three months (and still drinking coffee), I feel much better about my stomach after the breakfast. When I drink coffee, it is in the afternoon or evening with my friends (it is our ritual) at one of the best coffee places we have around, and really enjoy the whole experience of it, with good quality chocolate.
Emily says
Gotta say – thanks, again, Elana! I got the idea from you and I’m drinking dandelion coffee right now. With every sip I’m amazed at how good it is. I do love coffee and wish I could drink it on a regular basis (gives me heartburn), but so far this is the best-tasting alternative I’ve found. And believe me, I’ve tried them all :-)
Jessica says
I actually just gave up coffee (it was decaf, but alas still coffee) about a month ago. I used your dandelion root coffee during my liver cleanse, and it was a life-saver! I’ll have a cup of decaf occasionally, but I’m very proud to say I no longer depend on it to begin my morning or to continue on in my day. Thank you for the wealth of information your provide!